As Antigua and Barbuda joins the global community in observing World Mental Health Day 2025, health officials are underscoring the importance of expanding access to mental health care, especially during times of disaster and crisis.

This year’s theme, “Access to Mental Health Services – Mental Health in Catastrophe and Disaster,” was launched by the World Federation for Mental Health, calling for greater investment and preparedness to support those emotionally affected by natural disasters, emergencies, and other traumatic events.

Although Antigua and Barbuda has not faced a major disaster in recent years, the emotional scars of Hurricane Maria in 2017 remain vivid. While Barbuda bore the brunt of the destruction, Antigua stepped up to help its sister island recover, demonstrating unity, resilience, and compassion.

Dr. Griffin Benjamin, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, said this year’s theme is especially relevant to small island states that face repeated climate threats and limited mental health infrastructure.

“Disasters don’t just destroy homes—they disrupt lives, families, and emotional balance,” Dr. Benjamin said. “We must make sure that mental health services are available and accessible in the aftermath of any catastrophe. Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery.”

He added that mental distress is widespread in times of crisis, noting that almost everyone affected by disasters experiences psychological strain, while up to 22 percent may go on to develop serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“It is crucial that we prepare our communities—not just with shelters and supplies, but with the psychological tools to cope and recover,” Dr. Benjamin emphasized. “We must normalize seeking help, train first responders in mental health awareness, and ensure that services are accessible to everyone, especially the vulnerable.”

Local mental health professionals are also encouraging citizens to look out for signs of emotional distress in themselves and others, such as persistent sadness, sleep problems, irritability, isolation, or substance abuse and to seek timely support.

Dr. Benjamin reiterated that mental health should be seen as a core part of national disaster planning.

“Hurricanes are a fact of life in the Caribbean, but psychological collapse doesn’t have to be,” he said. “When we strengthen access to mental health care, we strengthen the nation’s resilience.”

As the world continues to experience crises linked to climate change, conflict, and economic strain, health leaders say World Mental Health Day 2025 serves as a reminder that well-being begins with awareness, compassion, and access to care for all.